BJJ Graph

Anaconda Control

Dec 09, 20257 min read

Anaconda Control is a powerful submission control position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where one practitioner has secured a front headlock variation with an arm-in configuration around the opponent’s neck and shoulder. This position creates a distinctive vice-like compression that threatens the anaconda choke while providing exceptional control over the opponent’s upper body. The position derives its name from the constricting nature of the control, where the top player’s arms encircle the opponent’s neck and trapped arm in a loop that tightens with proper pressure and positioning.

From a strategic perspective, Anaconda Control represents a critical juncture in grappling exchanges. The top player has transitioned from positional control to submission threat, while the bottom player faces immediate danger that requires decisive defensive action. The position typically emerges from front headlock situations, turtle attacks, or scrambles where one practitioner exposes their neck while attempting to improve position. Understanding both the offensive mechanics from top and defensive priorities from bottom is essential for complete positional mastery.

The effectiveness of Anaconda Control stems from its multi-layered control mechanisms: the arm-in grip prevents effective neck defense, body weight restricts movement, and the grip configuration itself creates immediate choking pressure. The position serves as a gateway to multiple finishing sequences and positional advancements, making it a cornerstone technique in modern no-gi grappling and an increasingly important position in gi competition. Mastery requires understanding the biomechanical principles of compression, the relationship between grip tightness and finishing angle, and the ability to flow between related submissions based on defensive reactions.

Key Principles

  • Arm-in configuration creates structural trap where trapped arm reinforces the choke

  • Chest pressure and body weight are primary control mechanisms, not grip strength alone

  • Position serves as hub for multiple submissions: anaconda, darce, guillotine transitions

  • Bottom player must address choking pressure before attempting positional escape

  • Top player must maintain tight connection throughout all transitions and adjustments

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeDefensiveOffensive
Risk LevelHighLow
Energy CostHighMedium
TimeShortShort to Medium

Key Difference: Arm-in headlock trades base for submission

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Immediate priority is preventing the choke from tightening by addressing neck pressure and grip before positional escape

  • Create space between your neck and opponent’s choking arm using your free hand to pull on their wrist or elbow

  • Keep your chin tucked toward your free-side shoulder to minimize choking surface and protect the carotid arteries

  • Use your free arm to post and create frames that prevent opponent from fully locking the position

  • Move your hips away from opponent’s control to reduce their ability to drive chest pressure into your shoulder

  • Prevent opponent from stepping over your head or rolling to mount, which would secure the submission

  • Work systematically: first survive the choke, then create space, then escape to better position

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Failing to immediately address the choking arm with free hand, allowing opponent time to lock the position

    • Consequence: Choke tightens rapidly and escape becomes nearly impossible once fully locked
    • ✅ Correction: Immediately use free hand to pull on opponent’s choking wrist or elbow to create space at neck before attempting positional escape

  • ❌ Turning away from opponent or exposing the back of the neck, which tightens the anaconda loop

    • Consequence: Creates additional leverage for opponent to finish choke and eliminates defensive framing options
    • ✅ Correction: Turn into opponent toward your trapped arm side, keeping chin tucked to free shoulder to minimize choking surface

  • ❌ Allowing opponent to step over head without resistance or counter-movement

    • Consequence: Opponent secures dominant angle and can finish choke with body weight alone
    • ✅ Correction: Use free hand to post on opponent’s hip or leg, preventing the step-over while creating defensive frames

  • ❌ Fighting with upper body only while keeping lower body stationary

    • Consequence: Waste energy without creating meaningful escape opportunities or space
    • ✅ Correction: Coordinate hip movement away from opponent with upper body hand fighting to systematically create escape angles

  • ❌ Attempting to pull head straight out of the lock through brute force

    • Consequence: Tightens the choke and exhausts energy without addressing the fundamental control problem
    • ✅ Correction: Focus on creating space at the choking arm’s elbow joint while moving hips to change angles rather than pulling directly backward

  • ❌ Keeping trapped arm rigid and extended, which maximizes choking surface area

    • Consequence: Provides opponent with larger loop to constrict and more leverage to finish submission
    • ✅ Correction: Keep trapped arm bent and pulled close to body to minimize the space opponent can control with their lock

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Maintain continuous chest pressure on opponent’s trapped shoulder to prevent escape and create submission pressure

  • Keep hands tightly clasped with proper grip configuration to prevent opponent from breaking the lock

  • Control opponent’s trapped arm by keeping it pinned inside the loop, eliminating their primary defense

  • Position hips and legs to allow dynamic movement for roll-through or adjustment while maintaining upper body control

  • Direct pressure at an angle that attacks the carotid arteries rather than purely compressing the windpipe

  • Maintain connection between your chest and opponent’s shoulder throughout all transitions and adjustments

  • Use body weight strategically, shifting between shoulder pressure and rolling mechanics based on opponent’s defensive reactions

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Releasing chest pressure to adjust grip or position

    • Consequence: Opponent gains space to extract their head or break the grip entirely, losing control
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain continuous chest-to-shoulder connection throughout all adjustments, using hip movement rather than lifting upper body

  • ❌ Clasping hands too loosely or with improper grip configuration

    • Consequence: Opponent can break the grip through hand fighting, escaping the submission threat
    • ✅ Correction: Lock hands together with gable grip or S-grip, keeping forearms tight to ensure structural integrity of the lock

  • ❌ Allowing opponent’s trapped arm to escape the loop

    • Consequence: Opponent regains ability to defend their neck with free hand, significantly reducing submission success
    • ✅ Correction: Keep opponent’s arm pinned inside by maintaining elbow-to-elbow connection and directing pressure through their shoulder

  • ❌ Rolling too early before establishing proper angle and tightness

    • Consequence: Incomplete submission setup leads to failed finish and potential position loss during the roll
    • ✅ Correction: First establish tight grip and proper angle with chest pressure, only rolling when opponent’s base is broken and submission is tight

  • ❌ Positioning hips too far forward, preventing rolling mechanics

    • Consequence: Unable to execute roll-through finish, limiting submission options to standing choke which is less effective
    • ✅ Correction: Keep hips beside or slightly behind opponent’s hips to maintain mobility for forward roll while maintaining upper body control

  • Front Headlock - Primary entry position for anaconda grip establishment

  • D’arce Control - Sister submission with similar arm-in mechanics but different hand positioning

  • Guillotine Control - Alternative front headlock submission accessible from same position